JUPITER, Fla. — The back fields of a spring training complex can be hectic, especially in the early weeks of camp. With so many drills underway, it can be difficult to pinpoint who is doing what and where at each of the six fields at the St. Louis Cardinals’ facility.

The St. Louis Cardinals could look to trade flamethrowing closer Ryan Helsley before the star hits free agency next off-season.

The final outing of Ryan Helsley’s career year in 2024 -- a scoreless inning on Sept. 27 at San Francisco’s Oracle Park -- will always be memorable for the 30-year-old All-Star closer for a variety of reasons.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley set a franchise record and led the majors with 49 saves in 2024 before getting a raise in salary arbitration from $3.5 million last year to $8.2 million in 2025.

Star right-hander is test-driving a new pitch this spring that was once all the bat-blistering rage for closers.

Helsley said recently that he has not had any discussions with the Cardinals regarding a contract extension, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. While Helsley -- who will be a free agent after this season -- said he would "definitely be open" to talking about a long-term deal,

If the team couldn't move Nolan Arenado, they should have at least dealt closer Ryan Helsley and right-hander Erick Fedde.

Helsley appeared to make use of a cutter as part of his arsenal while throwing his first live batting practice of the spring Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The St. Louis Cardinals certainly look a little different than expected right now. St. Louis was in trade rumors all throughout the offseason centered on third